The Skeptics #1 review

This story from Black Mask Studios is like X-Men: First Class meets The Man From U.N.C.L.E. And we’re completely okay with that. It’s blend of comedy, suspense and espionage works brilliantly. Whilst it’s thoroughly grounded in the 60’s at the height of the Cold War, it still maintains a fun attitude that is completely infectious. The style and tone of this comic is absolutely spot on in our opinion. If it had been written in a grittier way, we doubt it would have the same lasting effect. It edges away from the serious nature of the time, and plays around with the craziness of it all.

The Skeptics #1 sees two students at Randall University recruited by the U.S. Government to combat secret Soviet super powered spies. Obviously. The issue takes this and completely flips it on it’s head midway through, revealing an interesting truth about the pair. It not only changes the story as a whole, but also their dynamic as a duo. It allows them to realise their humanity, but also to raise the stakes a little higher than they originally thought. And as the issue progresses, it’s clear that the Government is hiding something from the two that’ll provide an interesting twist on the Cold War era.

The art style is wonderfully unique and feels like a combination of Black Mask Studios’ latest title, No Angel, and the classic Archie comics. It works perfectly alongside the humorous tone of The Skeptics #1. Overall, we loved this new story. It’s a breath of fresh air in the world of comics, and isn’t afraid to be it’s own entity. This first issue promises bigger things further down the line, whilst managing to be a brilliant entry into the world that Maxwell and Mary live in. If you’re looking for something completely new, take a chance on The Skeptics #1.